About Thai Yoga Massage

What is known in the West as Thai Massage is not Massage at all, but rather an ancient energy-based healing system that combines Acupressure, Reflexology, and assisted Yoga postures. Treatment effects are enhanced when the patient is fully relaxed and breathing deeply. This traditional healing practice, called Nuad or Nuad Boran in the Thai language, stands in sharp contrast to Western Massage Therapies.

Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions, and the recipient remains clothed during a treatment. There is constant body contact between the practitioner and client, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked in order to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, internal organs are toned, and energy is balanced. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Nuad Boran (known in various forms as Thai massage, Thai Yoga Massage, and other terms) began to evolve in Thailand over 2,000 years ago. Based on healing principles similar to those utilized in other non-western healing therapies, the Thai system focuses on circulation of vital energy in major pathways called sen. The major energy lines are manipulated, and important pressure points along these pathways are stimulated to help break down blockages, stimulate energy flow and restore balance and harmony.

For many, traditional Thai massage is also a spiritual discipline in that it incorporates the practices of mindfulness (breath awareness) and loving kindness (focused compassion). These techniques, when shared by practitioner and client, help bring the treatment session to a focused and deep level.

Colette French performs Thai Yoga Massage at Unlocking The Body. For more information about Thai Yoga Massage, read the FAQ’s below, or email Colette French directly by utilizing the email address located on her Bio Page.

This article (c) 2006 Thai Healing Alliance International.

FAQ's About Thai Yoga Massage:

How Does Thai Massage Compare to Western Massage?

Traditional Thai massage is always performed on a comfortable floor mat to provide for maximum mobility that allows the practitioner to utilize their body weight. The client is fully clothed and no oils are required. Western style massages require the guest to undress for oils to be applied to the body and the massage is most often performed on a table. Western massage will typically focus on a specific area of the body where the client has a given concern. Thai massage always performs work on the entire body addressing the clients overall wellbeing to help the body function at its highest levels. Additionally, Thai massage uses point pressure to open energy lines or "sens" in the body as diagramed throughout Asian culture. The energy work is combined with stretching techniques to open the clients body creating a relaxing and simultaneously invigorating experience. A Thai massage practitioner may utilize their hands, elbows, knees, or feet throughout the massage. Rest assured Thai massage is never painful. Western massage mainly focuses on kneading of muscular tissue through compression and various hand movements. Thai massage has been practiced for well over 2500 years, kept in its traditional form, and is becoming increasingly popular in the West.

Do I Need To Be Very Flexible To Get A Thai Yoga Massage?

No. You do not need to be very flexible. Thai Massage is easily customized for anyone, regardless of your physical and health conditions.

What Can I Expect My Session To Be Like?

A session normally lasts between 90 and 120 minutes. In the first session the therapist will take a brief medical history and then you will discuss together a treatment plan (i.e. a one-off, regular weekly sessions or a course of treatments). We always suggest that clients start out with a 90-minute Traditional Thai massage. In Thailand a Thai massage can last 2 hours or more depending on the individuals needs. We like to start each of our Thai with at least a 90-minute Traditional Thai massage so that there is time to perform bodywork over the entire body and have time to focus on the areas that need more attention. The Thai's understand that a problem in the back, for example, is related to issues else where in the body. In order to fully address a problem area in the back its important to also spend time on the legs, arms and neck. We have seen significant results in clients who schedule sessions for 90-minute or greater.

How Deep Is A Thai Yoga Massage?

TYM is a tailor-made treatment to suit your individual needs at a particular time. It can be that the therapist chooses to work very superficially or extremely deep, depending on your specific abilities, physical limitations, or particular range of motion.

What Conditions Can Thai Massage Help With?

TYM is particularly helpful in dealing with mobility related problems that affect your body. It is helpful in instances where you are in chronic pain due to lack of movement, possibly with your job or other activities that require you to maintain a posture for hours on end. Thai Massage can also be very relaxing and soothing to the nervous system.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Require?

You will probably feel different already after the first treatment, but for lasting changes you would need to have a series of sessions over weeks or months. Your Practitioner will discuss your options with you at the end of your Thai Yoga Massage Session.

Here is an example of a Thai Yoga Massage Session to familiarize yourself with the Modality.